There have been a few acts this year who have subverted my expectations in great ways. Leading that pack are NOWZ, who rebranded from “Nowadays” earlier this year and have finally been given great material. Both Fly To The Youth and Everglow were fantastic summer highlights and converted me into a fast fan. Now, they’re back with another sonic switch-up in the form of boisterous EDM banger HomeRUN.
I had high hopes for this one, not only because I love high-energy EDM but also because the teasers had boldly unveiled the addictive chorus. And though I do like the song overall, it’s not quite what I hoped it would be. The chorus is as massive and bonkers as expected, flitting between extended power notes and staccato rhythms. Even the heavy vocal effects work well here, giving the hook a claustrophobic sound. Unfortunately, these effects extend to the verses until the entire track feels overly processed. Worse yet, HomeRUN‘s moments of connective tissue often pull down the tempo in a fitful arrangement that refuses to allow the bounding beat to simply… bound.
Even though HomeRUN is a bit of a mess, I’ll always be a proponent of big, madcap energy in K-pop. So while I crave a greater sense of melody (and purpose) to everything surrounding the song’s chorus, I can’t be entirely mad at HomeRUN. At least it tries to grab your attention rather than fade into subdued nothingness. With that said, I hope the guys can find another dynamic Everglow-style track. That was a real breakthrough for them.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s such a bonkers track, the sheer audacity of the track helps in ignoring its weaknesses (not that there are any). It also sounds like something ALL(H)OURS could have put out had they went down the Shock-Gimme Gimme route (and it’s a compliment!). I wish it went bolder and bigger, but either way, it’s a guarantee that it’s gonna enjoy great longevity.
8.75 (9, 8, 9, 9) for me.
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They throw all their energy at you and it’s so much fun! I’m pulled into the crowd and down the block.
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The timing’s a bit strange, considering the professional baseball season ended a few weeks back in both the US and Korea. Would have been nice if this song came out during the playoffs in October or early November – or, conversely, in March ’26, when the World Baseball Classic begins.
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HOLYYY this is so fun, not at all what i was expecting but im super into it! the song loses a bit of steam towards the end because of the heavy repetition; i was actually surprised to find out that its only 2:47 long, but the energy never lets up so that makes up for it. kinda the same way i felt about badvillain – thriller, which is still one of my favorite songs from this year
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I’m guessing this wasn’t eligible for review because it’s only a performance video? (It’s a U-Kiss subunit.)
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